Introducing DTSViewer from Bitgap Games

This blog is meant to introduce a new tool for artists, DTSViewer. But before I do just that, I want to say thanks to Derek Bronson and Brett Seyler at GarageGames. Without their help and support it wouldn't have happened. I am also happy that GG's found me worthy to join their Associate program, it's been very exciting. Seeing Torque 3D develop a tremendous amount each day through the beta and afterwards was a thrilling experience.

There are a few other things I wanted to mention before I get to DTSViewer. The thing I'm the most excited about right now is that we have reworked Bitgap Games' website and added lots of features. This is great news for our existing Cliff Construction Kit licensees, since now they are able to access their products without having to bug me. Good news for everyone I guess! :) The Torque 3D version of the Cliff Construction Kit will be announced in about a week, so stay tuned!

There have been other exciting things at Bitgap. Recently we were interviewed by Maxim Bardin from Linux Gaming News about our game, Xenocell. He's asked some really cool questions. If you're interested in the game and want to learn more about it, be sure to check it out, though it's pretty lengthy!

What is DTSViewer?

DTSViewer is a tool that lets artist preview their models in Torque 3D tech. It also enables the making of transparent screenshots of 3D models in both orthogonal (isometric) and perspective camera views. It's features are the following:

• Up-to-date - you can choose to check for updates automatically - download and install any new versions of the tool
• Lightweight - the installer is a slim 2.6 Megs download
• Automatic - double-click a DTS file to view it right away!
• Intelligent - saves your settings on every object that you ever view while you work
• Open anywhere - no path registration needed, simply click the file, the tool will find materials and skins for you automatically
• To close, just click outside the viewer
• Rotate, pan, zoom and automatically fit the object in the view
• Show and hide mesh groups on your shape
• Reskin with a single click - the program scans images that are valid skins for the model
• 2D or 3D - choose between orthogonal (also known as isometric) and perspective camera views
• Take a screenshot of your object with 5 different backgrounds or a transparent background
• Ideal for making character portraits, isometric tile sets or icons for your game from your 3D objects
• Resize the view pane to resize your screenshot
• Convert collada .dae files to .dts (requires that you make .dae files open with this program first)
• Test materials on any object - compatible with Torque 3D and TGEA materials
• Works with TGE - it creates materials on the fly if they are missing
• Supports all material features that Torque 3D supports

It is not a modeling application. It does not show nodes or play animations, but that was not our intent. Originally, we created it to help us make icons from our 3D objects and create portraits for our Yack pack integration. Later we wanted more features, and eventually it evolved into this product.

Where to get DTSViewer?

You can get it in our online store from $19.95 (Indie license).
Click here to learn more about DTSViewer.


Thanks for reading through.
-- Konrad

@konradkiss
KonradKiss @ GitHub
konradkiss.com